Health Encyclopedia

Developmental milestones record

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Developmental milestones are behaviors or physical skills seen in infants and children as they grow and develop. Rolling over, crawling, walking, and talking are all considered milestones. The milestones are different for each age range.

There is a normal range in which a child may reach each milestone. For example, walking may begin as early as 8 months in some children. Others walk as late as 18 months and it is still considered normal.

One of the reasons for well-child visits to the health care provider in the early years is to follow your child's development. Most parents also watch for different milestones. Talk to your child's provider if you have concerns about your child's development.

Closely watching a "checklist" or calendar of developmental milestones may trouble parents if their child is not developing normally. At the same time, milestones can help to identify a child who needs a more detailed check-up. Research has shown that the sooner the developmental services are started, the better the outcome. Examples of developmental services include: speech therapy, physical therapy, and developmental preschool.

Below is a general list of some of the things you might see children doing at different ages. These are NOT precise guidelines. There are many different normal paces and patterns of development.

Infant -- birth to 1 year

Able to drink from a cup

Able to sit alone, without support

Babbles

Displays social smile

Gets first tooth

Plays peek-a-boo

Pulls self to standing position

Rolls over by self

Says mama and dada, using terms appropriately

Understands "NO" and will stop activity in response

Walks while holding on to furniture or other support

Toddler -- 1 to 3 years

Able to feed self neatly, with minimal spilling

Able to draw a line (when shown one)

Able to run, pivot, and walk backwards

Able to say first and last name

Able to walk up and down stairs

Begins pedaling tricycle

Can name pictures of common objects and point to body parts

Dresses self with only a little bit of help

Imitates speech of others, "echoes" word back

Learns to share toys (without adult direction)

Learns to take turns (if directed) while playing with other children

Masters walking

Recognizes and labels colors appropriately

Recognizes differences between males and females

Uses more words and understands simple commands

Uses spoon to feed self

Preschooler -- 3 to 6 years

Able to draw a circle and square

Able to draw stick figures with two to three features for people

Able to skip

Balances better, may begin to ride a bicycle

Begins to recognize written words, reading skills start

Catches a bounced ball

Enjoys doing most things independently, without help

Enjoys rhymes and word play

Hops on one foot

Rides tricycle well

Starts school

Understands size concepts

Understands time concepts

School-age child -- 6 to 12 years

Begins gaining skills for team sports such as soccer, T-ball, or other team sports

Begins to lose "baby" teeth and get permanent teeth

Girls begin to show growth of armpit and pubic hair, breast development

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